The number of people diagnosed with breast cancer is steadily increasing and many cases still go unreported.

Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete has confirmed that around 250 to 300 cases of breast cancer are recorded every year of which around 5 – 6 cases involve men.

Dr. Waqainabete has reiterated that awareness for breast cancer should not be limited to women only.

“The World incidence is 1:100 so you would expect about 2 to 3 male but we actually see about 1:50 so about 5 to 6 men a year in Fiji.”

The minister also highlighted the age group in which they see more cancer cases.

“What it is for those most who have breast cancer are women and their age is around 40, 50 to 60. We have seen some women who are younger than that and we have seen some women who are older than 70 and this is in keeping what is seen around the world.”

Meanwhile, the health Minister highlighted that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Fiji followed by cervical cancer.